First up, a warning of sorts. #1 Nana’s reviewing this week is completely and literally one-eyed. She’s just had minor surgery on one of her eyes, so I am going to fight the urge to refer to her as Yarrr me hearty or Ol’ One Eye, or threaten to make her walk the plank.
The first wine today is the I just want a nice, affordable bottle to have at home, preferably without sharing*
Also known as Taylors Eighty Acres Classic Dry White
I truly had to fight #1 Nana for this one. She is a confirmed fan of Classic Dry White’s. And I’m going to be a good daughter and not make any witty references to EIGHTY, DRY WHITE, and her.
This smells divine. It’s possibly the first time I’ve poured a glass of wine and sniffed it before taking a swig (from bottle or glass or both).
It’s crisp, it’s refreshing, but it’s not too dry. Just what I like. We had this bottle over a chicken ceasar salad for lunch. We even used real glasses, as opposed to our usual plastic faux glasses. It was perfect for lunch time consumption, and we were a little disappointed when we reached the bottom of the bottle. Sigh.
At $13.95RRP it’s great value, and should unexpected visitors show up* it’s good enough to share. If you’re that way inclined. Otherwise tell them you’re all out and serve up water, while claiming your drink is cordial or apple juice.
Flash forward 2 days, and partnering perfectly with that wine is the next I just want a nice, affordable bottle to have at home, preferably without sharing.*
Also known as Taylors 2010 Promised Land Shiraz
Not even kidding.
It helped that I placed myself on her pirate-patch side, so she literally didn’t see me coming.
“More” is all I got out of #1 Nana. While I’m more a white drinker, this red was nice and mild and went down all too easily. It became a competition to see who could covertly sip their wine quickest and get the next glass. I swear, if supposedly refined and ladylike wine
#1 Hubby walked in part way through and nearly had a tantrum that he wasn’t invited for the red wine tasting, since he too is a lover of red. #1 Nana helpfully picked up my PR information sheet and informed him that if he was to drive to the nearest bottle shop, he could pick up a bottle for $13.95RRP, which was convenient timing as we’d just about run out.
Love her for that. I’m going to ensure she gets the bed next to the window when it comes time to ship her and #1 Pop off to a nursing home. And I’m going to make sure it has a mini-bar fridge for her ice cubes, and shelving under the bed to hide her wine.
Another day, another wine. This one a bit more I’m going out / having people over, and I want something that says I made an effort without breaking the bank.
Also known as 2011 Taylors Estate Sauvignon Blanc
I’m no wine aficionado (I know this comes as a shock to all of you), but this one reminded me of fruit. Tropical type fruits. So my brain was saying “good job on consuming fruit” while I was actually drinking wine. Win, win.
When #1 Nana awoke from her Nana Nap (ho, ho) and got over her disgust and outrage at my having started without her, she was most agreeable.
“Yep, another good one. Have we got any cheese? Cheese would be good with this one.”
The Taylors Estate 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is available for $18.95RRP, excellent value for when you want that bottle that is around $20 and actually tastes good.
And finally, on to the piece de resistance. This final wine is the “Look at me, I bought a bottle of wine to the party that cost over $20. That’s how much I like you and value your company”.
Or if you’re me, “Look what I gave you. It’s not from a cask. It’s not from the bargain bin. You must be awesome for me to outlay more than $20 on a bottle of wine for your consumption…now the polite thing to do would be to open it and share, yes?” *
Also known as Taylors 2011 Jaraman Sauvignon Blanc
It’s vintage
#1 Nana : “Oh Margaret River? Nice. Did you ever hear about that girl you went to boarding school with whose parents owned a winery in Margaret River?”
Me : “It was Denmark, not Margaret River. And no. If I’d known how important wine would be to me as an adult, I totally would’ve buddied up to her.”
#1 Nana : “Oh, that’s right... Do you know anyone at Taylors?”
One-eyed endorsement from #1Nana, in a roundabout way.
Delicious. We left the empty bottle out on the table over dinner while we drank the cheap stuff we had in the cupboard – our own “House White” – and pretended we were still drinking the good stuff.
Taylors 2011 Jaraman Sauvignon Blanc is available for $24.95RRP, and if you’re inclined to buy me a gift for any occasion* this would be totally acceptable.
And so, to our final words on the week that was dedicated to Taylors wines.
#1 Nana’s official opinion on the Taylors range :
It’s definitely helping my eye recover. It will be making an appearance at the girls’ weekly Tuesday night drinks and spa party.
Rock on and party like Britney, #1 Nana!
The Parental Parody official opinion on the Taylors range :
I love wine. I love reasonably priced wine. It was a match made in heaven! But seriously, I'm not a wine expert who can tell you how it sat on my palette or what undertones it displayed. It tasted good, it isn't overpriced, and I'll definitely be buying it in future. Or, #1 Nana will be buying it and I'll be stealthy procuring it from her collection via 5-finger discount. Sadly, there endeth the wine reviews. It’s been the most fun I’ve had outside of a casino or swim up pool bar. Stay tuned for Wednesday’s review of Toby’s Estate’s Coffee and Tea products (which were tested extensively the morning after each wine review), with attached mega uber super giveaway of awesome!
*Yes I’m looking at you, #1 Nana